The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning transportation, with a primary focus on enhancing the operations of the Department of Transportation and the Florida Transportation Commission. It authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to appoint three assistant secretaries and an Executive Director of Transportation Technology, all of whom will be exempt from career service and included in the Senior Management Service. The qualifications for members of the Florida Transportation Commission are revised to ensure that at least three members possess expertise in higher education, transportation, or workforce development. Additionally, the bill establishes the Florida Transportation Research Institute to promote research and innovation in the transportation sector, while also creating a Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council to support seaport growth.

The legislation further streamlines the regulatory processes for airport operations and wireless communications facilities, enhancing efficiency and accountability. It mandates that private airports of public interest obtain certification from the Department of Transportation and outlines conditions for revocation of airport registrations. The bill also introduces provisions to support small businesses in transportation projects, raises eligibility thresholds for certain programs, and emphasizes the importance of workforce development, particularly for veterans and nonviolent inmates. Overall, the bill aims to improve Florida's transportation infrastructure, promote economic development, and ensure effective management of transportation resources.

Statutes affected:
S 1662 Filed: 212.20, 311.07, 316.0741, 316.0745, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.406, 338.227, 339.2816, 339.287, 339.55, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
S 1662 c1: 311.07, 316.0741, 316.0745, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 334.044, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 339.287, 339.55, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
S 1662 c2: 311.07, 316.003, 316.0741, 316.0745, 316.550, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.044, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.401, 338.227, 339.287, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
S 1662 c3: 311.07, 316.003, 316.0741, 316.0745, 316.550, 320.0848, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 339.135, 339.287, 339.63, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
S 1662 e1: 311.07, 316.003, 316.0741, 316.0745, 316.550, 320.0848, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 339.135, 339.287, 339.63, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
S 1662 e2: 311.07, 316.003, 316.0741, 316.0745, 316.550, 320.0848, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 339.135, 339.287, 339.63, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
S 1662 er: 311.07, 316.003, 316.0741, 316.0745, 316.550, 320.0848, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 339.135, 339.287, 339.63, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403